COLEUS WIZARD SCARLET Coleus hybridus
The new varieties of Coleus have colours that intensify in sun, but can also thrive in shade. In fact, because of their low light demands, coleus can also be used as house plants.
The Wizard Series is an excellent example of the new developments and the best seed raised strain for bedding and containers. The compact plants are durable and hardy to around 10°C . With colourful, medium-size leaves and a base-branching growth, they grow naturally close-to-the-ground and never need pinching to reach a bushy, symmetrical, compact form. The leaves appear in vivid shades that all reach the same size at the same time.
Wizard Scarlet is of the most popular of the series, it features rich bronze-red, heart-shaped leaves, each with delicate pale green serrated edges.
Excellent in full sun, they work well alone making distinctive container plants and combine well with the warmer colours in the border.
They are one of the easiest and most satisfying plants to grow, showing their first colours in as little as two weeks and keeping their hues right through the summer.
Sow seeds onto a layer of moistened, sterile potting soil in a shallow tray (see our Plastic Seedling Trays Open), do not cover as they need light to germinate. Cover with glass or plastic to retain moisture, until the seeds have germinated. Place in a warm (21°C), bright (not full sun) place.
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots. Seedlings should always be held by a leaf, never by the stem.
When pricking out coleuses note that larger and stronger plants often have poorer quality foliage. When all danger of frost is past the plants may be set out in the garden. Plant them 30cm apart in rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Avoid drought stress, but do not over water, the lower the growing temperature, the lower the water supply should be.
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